Diagnostic and prognostic factors in multiple myeloma

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple myeloma have compelled changes in the criteria of the disease definition and prognosis over the last decade. The disease definition has been updated to include highly specific bio markers in addition to established markers of end-organ damage. The staging system has been revised to combine both the determination of tumor burden and disease biology. Older criteria were acceptable in a period of restricted treatment options with serious toxic effects, without any evident clinical benefit at an early intervention. It has been proven that early intervention in high-risk asymptomatic patients may lead to higher survival rates. (author)